What to Wear on Camera: Tips for Your Filming Day
The question we're asked most before a shoot is "what should I wear?" The good news: the right outfit is usually something you already own. These tips will help you look like yourself on camera, just a little sharper.
The quick version
Wear: solid, mid-tone colours such as blues, greens, burgundy and soft grey. Avoid: bright white and pure black as your main top.
Wear: bold, simple patterns. Avoid: fine stripes, tight checks and herringbone.
Wear: what you'd wear to an important meeting. Avoid: a new outfit you've never worn before.
Wear: a top with a collar or neckline for the microphone. Avoid: noisy bracelets and long necklaces.
Wear: your own company branding, kept subtle. Avoid: large logos from other brands.
Wear what you'd wear to an important meeting
You want to look like you, on a good day. If you'd never wear a suit at work, don't wear one on camera. Viewers notice when someone looks uncomfortable.
Go for solid, mid-tone colours
Blues, greens, burgundy and soft greys all film well. Bright white can glow under lights and pure black can lose detail, so avoid both for a main top.
Skip small patterns and thin stripes
Tight checks, herringbone and fine stripes can shimmer on camera. Bold, simple patterns are fine; tiny repeating ones aren't.
Avoid big logos and slogans
Other brands' logos can mean blurring in the edit. Your own company branding is fine if it's subtle.
Think about the background
If we're filming against a dark wall, a lighter top stands out better, and the other way round. Tell us where you'll be filmed and we'll advise.
Glasses, jewellery and microphones
Wear your glasses if you normally do; we can angle the lights to cut reflections. Leave out noisy bracelets and long necklaces, which knock against the microphone. A top with a collar or neckline makes clipping a mic on easy.
Bring a spare
Pack a second top in a different colour. If the first one clashes with the set, swapping takes two minutes.
Hair and make-up
Keep it to your normal routine. A little translucent powder takes the shine off under lights, whoever you are.
What we've learned backstage
We've filmed backstage at London Fashion Week for UNITE and the Edward Crutchley show, and at Paris Fashion Week for MR SMITH Hair. Watching stylists and make-up artists prepare models for camera taught us that the best looks are simple: even skin, tidy hair and clothes that don't fight the lighting. The same rules work for a staff interview in your office.
What to bring on the day
A second top in a different colour
Your glasses, if you normally wear them
Powder or blotting paper to take the shine off
A hairbrush or comb
Water, because talking on camera is thirsty work
Tips for your interview
Look at the interviewer, not the camera, unless we ask you to talk to the lens.
Answer in full sentences. "Our team has worked here for ten years" works on its own; "ten years" doesn't.
Take your time. If you stumble, stop and start the sentence again. We'll use the best take.
Sit slightly forward. It looks more engaged and helps your voice carry.
Relax
The best on-camera people aren't the best dressed; they're the most at ease. We'll guide you through the day, and nothing goes out until you're happy with it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear white?
A white shirt under a jacket is fine. A bright white top on its own can glow under the lights, so a soft colour is safer.
Can I wear my company logo?
Yes, if it's subtle. Avoid large logos from other brands, because they may need to be blurred in the edit.
Should I take my glasses off?
No. Wear them if you normally do. We angle the lights to cut reflections.
Will I see the video before it goes out?
Yes. Nothing is published until you're happy with it.
What if I get nervous?
Most people do, and it passes quickly. We'll talk you through the questions first, and you can always stop and try a sentence again.
Planning a shoot?
Our planning guide walks through the whole process. Or book a free call and we'll talk you through your filming day.
